The Isle of Lewis Chess Set has evolved into one of the world's most iconic and beloved chess designs, trailing only behind the Staunton style in popularity.In 1831, on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, a local shepherd found a small chamber of dry-built stone about 15 feet below the top of a sandbank that had been partially washed away by the sea. The chess pieces discovered within the chamber are the oldest complete set of chessmen ever found. Most recent evidence suggests the Lewis Chessmen are of Norwegian origin and date back to the twelfth century.The Lewis pieces are on display in the British Museum and in the Museum of Edinburgh. Visiting either museum is a worthy experience but with these replica Lewis Chessmen, you can own a little piece of history yourself.How old is the Isle of Lewis chess set?Most recent evidence indicate that the Lewis Chessmen date back to the 12th century.What is the significance of the Lewis chessmen?The Lewis Chessmen hold great historical and cultural significance as a set of elaborately carved chess pieces. The set found on the Isle of Lewis is the oldest complete set of chessmen ever found and is considered a rare and remarkable archaeological discoveryHow much are the Lewis chess pieces worth?Recently, a single Lewis Chessman was sold at an auction for £735,000 (according to The Guardian). It can be argued however that the original chess pieces, which are on display in the British Museum and in the Museum of Edinburgh, are priceless. Lewis ChessmenThe Lewis Chessmen exhibited at the Museum of Scotland stand at a height of 60 to 100mm and are crafted from Walrus ivory and sperm whale tooth. These chessmen possess captivating facial expressions that convey distinct emotions. Notably, each piece exudes a unique personality and character, adding to their intriguing allure.3D models of the entire set can be found on the National Museums Scotland website.